Local organizations prep for Kidspree

Three Ridgecrest area organizations are coming together on Saturday, Nov. 10 by taking around 100 low-income children on a clothing shopping spree.

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By Jack Barnwelljbarnwell@ridgecrestca.com

Ridgecrest Daily Independent - Ridgecrest, CA

By Jack Barnwelljbarnwell@ridgecrestca.com

Posted Nov. 1, 2012 at 2:30 PM

By Jack Barnwelljbarnwell@ridgecrestca.com

Posted Nov. 1, 2012 at 2:30 PM

Local organizations prep for Kidspree

Three Ridgecrest area organizations are coming together on Saturday, Nov. 10 by taking around 100 low-income children on a clothing shopping spree.

The Altrusa Club of the Indian Wells Valley, headed by club president Renee Whitman, is collaborating with the Southern Sierra Boys and Girls Club and the High Desert Leapin’ Lizards on its KidSpree event as a means to help support children in need of warm winter clothes, according to Altrusa KidSpree Chair Mary Noh.

“We purchase winter clothing for the children who might not have the proper clothes,” Noh said.

With KidSpree, children from the first to fifth grades will be escorted by chaperone “shoppers” to shop for clothes at Kmart and Walmart. Each of the 100 children will be able to purchase $75 worth of warm clothing for the upcoming winter.

“Some of these children have never had new clothing,” Noh said. “Some might go to school without warm clothes during the winter.”

Noh said that there have been several sponsors for this year’s event, including $1,000 from the Evan Etosch Memorial Foundation, a $1,000 donation from Walmart and a $250 from the China Lake Rotary Club. Several other individuals and organizations have donated as well, including two locals who recently contributed $75 each.

Noh said that Altrusa Club was still accepting donations or volunteers.

In addition McDonald’s of Ridgecrest will provide all the children with a Sausage McMuffin breakfast and Burger King will provide apple juice.

Trisha Miller, chief professional officer for the Southern Sierra Boys and Girls Club, said KidSpree recalled one year where it helped a boy.

“I have seen a child that did not have the proper clothes that year,” Miller said. “After that one KidSpree, that one boy had pants that fit and walked with a different sense of self-esteem.”

Miller said that the event was pivotal in terms of self-esteem.

“It’s a huge self-esteem boost just to have clothes that fit properly,” she said. “It’s not a hand-out, it’s a hand up.”

Both Noh and Miller said the best way the community at large could contribute is either donate to Altrusa, Southern Sierra Boys and Girls Club or Leapin’ Lizards by donating their time as a volunteer “shopper” next Saturday, Nov. 10 from 7:30 a.m to 9 a.m.

For more information or to volunteer, people can contact Mary Noh at (760) 382-5205.